150 YEARS OF THE NAZARETH SISTERS

In the footsteps of Blessed Frances Siedliska in Rome (56)

Sr. M. Beata Rudzińska, CSFN

Quirinal (1880) – important steps

In 1880, Frances took further important steps that would shape the future history of Nazareth. First of all, she continued her work on the Rule (which she also referred to as the outline or plan of the Congregation), which she completed in April of that year.

After meetings with the Sisters (also individually), during which she presents and explains the text, she passes it on to the “Church.” On April 30, 1880, she notes in her Diary: “A visit to His Eminence Cardinal Vicar – first presentation in the Church of God by giving him an outline of our Congregation.”

Although the Foundress would continue to modify this Plan and work on the Constitutions until the end of her life, the essential part of this document would remain unchanged. Therefore, as Fr. Ricciardi, Postulator of the cause for beatification of Frances Siedliska, writes, “this Plan should be considered the cornerstone of the Congregation of Nazareth.”

Despite better living conditions, on July 23, Frances left Rome on her doctor’s orders, as she was beginning to suffer from “Roman fever.” She then spent several weeks in Civitavecchia, taking the weaker Sisters with her, first Michaela and then Nina. She returned on September 2, and just four days later she set off with Sister Michaela for Krakow.

Sister Gabriela writes: “Mother wishes to meet with the Bishop of Krakow to discuss our Congregation with him and to ascertain for herself whether establishing our house in Krakow would be to the glory of God and the benefit of the Holy Church.” This suggestion was made to the Foundress by the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, who at the same time seemed to question the sense of continuing the work abroad. In Krakow, Frances first consulted the matter with the Provincial of the Jesuits and other priests, as we know from her notes. Humanly speaking, however, there was no chance of establishing a house in Krakow. We do not know what changed Archbishop Dunajewski’s attitude, whether it was again Frances’ charismatic personality and the favorable opinions of Roman dignitaries about her. The Archbishop of Krakow not only wanted a Nazareth house to be established in his diocese, but also wanted the mother house of the Congregation to be moved to Krakow. We already know about Frances’ love for the Church and Rome, but we also learned about the heroism of her obedience to God’s will as revealed by representatives of the Church. She made the decision about the possible closure of the Roman house dependent on the opinions of her companions and, above all, on the opinion of her immediate superior, Cardinal Monaco la Valletta. Although her heart was torn, she was ready to leave Rome “at every sign of God’s will”.

Immediately after returning to Rome, she obtained an audience with him. A short note in her diary from November 14, 1880 carries incredible weight: “Visited Cardinal Vicar. He orders me to remain in Rome.” Frances Siedliska’s work gained another strong foundation, although her doubts and struggles would continue for another year…

Archbishop Dunajewski, the Jesuits of Krakow, and other priests they met (including Fr. Piotr Dudziak, who was staying at the Roman house at the time) confidently recommended Nazareth to the girls who told them about their religious vocation. In the same year, 1880, four candidates arrived in Rome from Krakow, among them Maria Ziętkiewicz, later Mother Joanna, and Alodia Malentynowicz, Mother Bernarda. Both of them, together with the Lubowidzki Sisters and their cousin Tekla, became pillars of the Congregation and led it after the death of the Foundress.

Pictures:
Joanna Ziętkiewicz before joining the Congregation – GA CSFN Rome
Alodia Malentynowicz “Maniusia” with her sister? – GA CSFN Rome